October 9, 2016
Issue No. 41
www.westsidenewsny.com
DISTRIBUTED TO CLARKSON, HAMLIN AND KENDALL
Old Holley High School targeted for development Home Leasing chair/CEO Nelson Leenhouts said if financing - including tax credits relating to historic presFor decades the old Holley High School, located in ervation - can be put in place over the winter, construction a prominent spot in the village’s business district, has might begin next summer. “We are working with a group of officials from the Vilbeen an eyesore for those passing by on Routes 31 and lage of Holley, Orleans County and the Town of Murray,” 237, but that may be about to change. A development team including Home Leasing, Edge- Leenhouts said. “We have asked for an awful lot and made mere Development, Glasow Simmons Architecture and a lot of progress.” The proposal calls for 41 units of mixed-income housing Marathon Engineering - all Rochester-based firms - is working to restore and renovate the circa 1931 neo-clas- for people 55-years of age and older. Additionally, the Vilsical revival style building into mixed income senior lage of Holley will have office space on the main floor with parking and access off South Main Street. The auditorium housing and Village of Holley offices. The development team held an informational meeting will be preserved and restored to its original glory, developfor the Holley community September 27 at the Holley ers say, to provide space for public meetings. Developers will also restore the exterior of the building, including the Middle School/High School auditorium. Dozens of residents turned out to hear about the status portico with pediment and columns. The old Holley High School was part of the first-ever of the project. Developers said there is still much work ahead to make the project a reality, but the agreement of “Five to Revive” list compiled by the Landmark Society of Orleans County to foreclose on the property has opened Western New York in 2013. The Eastman Dental Dispenup the way for Home Leasing to take ownership and be- sary was also on that list, and Home Leasing recently held gin the process of financing the restoration/conversion. a ribbon cutting at that location for their work to restore and renovate the Dispensary into senior housing. Landmark Society Executive Director Wayne Goodman attended the September 27 informational meeting. Goodman explained that the old Holley High School was selected as a “Five to Revive” because of its architectural merit, the fact it was once the center of civic life in Holley, and for its potential. “I am full of confidence in the development team,” Goodman said. Developers said it was the designation on the Five to Revive list that brought them out to Holley to view the sight. The development team also explained that they will work to restore the building to its original condition, A slide showing an artist’s rendering of what the old Holley High School will look like if plans for maintaining ceiling heights and corridor widths. Plans restoration/conversion become reality. The building would be used for senior housing and Village call for 72 parking spaces by Kristina Gabalski
of Holley offices. K. Gabalski photo.
Photo showing current state of the facade of the old Holley High School. Developers say they will restore the portico with pediment and columns. K. Gabalski photo. and the village will own and maintain the parking lot. Holley Mayor Brian Sorochty said parking spaces not used by residents will be available to the public. Home Leasing will have on-site management and maintenance of the building once the project is complete. Mayor Sorochty said it has been a pleasure thus far working with county, town and village officials to bring the proposal to this point. “Residents’ support is extremely important,” he said of those who live in the community. “Remain positive and patient.”
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